Beyond the grades: Reflecting on Dean’s List achievement at Parami

Parami University’s Dean’s List recognition event for Spring 2026 celebrated students’ academic accomplishments and the persistence behind them. Beyond recognizing high grades, the event highlighted the community support and the effort that helped students’ academic journeys. 

At the event, Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Winmar Way, remarked, “This high GPA demonstrates not only your ability to go in-depth in your studies and master the content in each of your classes, but I dare say it shows a mindset and a skill that demonstrates curiosity and a tenacity to keep going at subjects that you may not necessarily be initially comfortable with. You have shown both the academic skills and a mindset that'll serve you well outside of the classroom, and once you get into the workplace.” 

Faculty member Dr. Sophia Gao also recognized the determination and effort of the students: “For many of you, studying is not as simple as opening a laptop and joining a class. Unstable internet, family responsibilities, and uncertainty in daily life can make learning difficult. Some of you have also gone to extraordinary lengths just to continue your education. Even traveling through mountains and conflict-affected areas to reach a learning center. Your journeys remind us that education takes more than academic ability. It takes persistence, courage, and a strong belief in the value of learning. As you continue your studies here, I hope you will keep building on what you have achieved.” 

The academic advisors team also celebrated students’ resilience and hard work while assuring them of the support they provide. Academic advisor Lia said, “ As your advisors, we are always cheering you on, always rooting for you, and always in your corner.” 

Dean’s List recipient, Myo Myint Maung Maung echoed this message, recognizing all the efforts that contributed to the award. He highlighted, “I see this achievement as a collective effort supported by professors, staff, academic advisors, friends, and classmates. Even the discussions we shared in and outside of the classes all contributed to our achievements.” 

Another recipient, Thar Hla Nyi, encouraged freshmen to see academic setbacks as opportunities to learn, rather than reasons to question their abilities. Drawing on his own experience of how he overcame his challenges through the Dean’s List recognition, he shared, “In my first year, when I saw my professor’s feedback, I was really disappointed in myself. I thought I didn’t have the ability to study at Parami, but I decided to change my mind and considered how to improve myself.  If you are constantly improving and taking both professor and peer feedback seriously, you can definitely see your improvement in real time. Parami is not the easiest place to study, but you can do it.” 

For Kay Thi San, the value of recognizing progress is also important. She reminded her fellow Dean’s List recipients: “Our success isn’t just about the grades; it is built on our everyday efforts in this community. That’s why I think we also need to be kind to ourselves and celebrate our progress just as much as our achievements.” 

Academic achievement is about more than just grades; it can look different for every student. As Dean’s List recipients Kevin and Pone Nyet noted, not every student has the same privileges or circumstances, and many challenges remain unseen on a transcript. 

Ultimately, the Dean’s List Recognition event is also a reminder to recognize not only those receiving academic excellence, but also every student who continues to show up, learn, and push through challenges in their own way, even when their efforts go unnoticed.